Windy Shao

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TRADITIONAL Hong Kong paper craft, Chaozhou hand-pulled clay, and Shaanxi paper cutting are intangible cultural legacies from different parts of China. However, visitors to MH Maker in Longhua District can experience them all in one stop during the Mission Hills Intangible Cultural Heritage Week.

The nine-day event, filled with experiences, workshops, performances, markets, exhibitions, and forums, started Aug. 10, captivating crowds eager to explore the treasures of traditional Chinese culture.

Families, especially parent-child pairs enjoying their summer break, thronged to the event to witness the enchanting world of traditional Chinese crafts. The festivities coincided with the Qixi Festival, also known as the Begging for Skills Festival, attracting dozens of Hanfu enthusiasts who gathered at Mission Hills Mall to engage in a long-scroll painting activity featuring cultural heritage symbols.

Attendees also delved into hands-on activities such as lacquer fan painting and Sunmao wood art, marveling at the intricate transformation of simple wooden sticks into complex structures.

The event showcased Hanfu fashion shows, Hakka folk songs, Chaozhou hand-pulled clay, batik, glass blowing, and more, providing a diverse cultural experience for all the participants.

A notable aspect of the cultural week was the art salons, a popular attraction that drew crowds eager to explore the rich cultural offerings.

During the event’s opening day, Lu Yongsheng, president of an intangible cultural heritage inheritance association, captivated audience members with an interactive session on the history of Hong Kong’s paper craft. Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees gained firsthand insight into the intricate art of crafting traditional paper products.

The day also featured stellar performances, including a captivating flute recital by Xi Dihai, a distinguished flute professor from South China Normal University, and a moving Qixi poetry gathering curated by Wei Qiang, a renowned artist.

A highlight of the event was the participation of 11 university students from Hong Kong and Macao who undertook internships at Mission Hills Group. Guided by intangible cultural heritage inheritor Wang Ning, these students created batik artworks incorporating cultural elements from Hong Kong and Macao, which were displayed during the culture week.

The event, the fifth edition of its kind, has attracted numerous visitors from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, fostering cultural exchange and engaging youth participation, according to Chen Yadong, who is in charge of MH Maker. He highlighted the event’s focus on public involvement, collaboration with the Hong Kong and Macao communities, youth engagement, and international cooperation.